99% of drivers don’t know the real function of this button

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We all know the classics: air conditioning, windshield wipers, headlights… But between two indicator lights and a series of sometimes blurry symbols, there’s this button that almost no one really notices. And yet, its role is essential, especially when the weather turns bad! So, what’s behind this famous symbol in the shape of a windshield or a rectangle crossed by waves? Hint: it’s not a decorative element.

Fog on windows: a common phenomenon

One winter morning, you get into your car, start the engine… and boom, you can’t see through the windshield. This fogging is actually caused by the contrast between the humidity in the air (your breath, wet clothes, damp carpets, etc.) and the colder temperature of the glass. The result: immediate condensation.

And sometimes the fog is not on the inside, but on the outside of the windshield, especially after using the air conditioning in summer or when it is very humid.

These two practical buttons that change everything

  1. The front defogger button (often marked  MAX or with a curved windshield)

This button automatically activates the air conditioning and directs warm, dry air to the windshield. It’s designed to quickly clear fog from inside the vehicle. Bonus: In modern cars, it turns off air recirculation to prevent increased humidity.

Tip: For greater efficiency, add heat and set the fan to medium or high speed. Opening a window slightly can also help if humidity is high.

  1. The rear defroster (rectangle symbol with horizontal waves)

This button activates heating filaments inside the rear window (the thin lines visible to the naked eye). They remove fog from the inside and light frost from the outside. It typically runs for 10 to 15 minutes, then turns off automatically.

Little extra: on many models, it also activates the heating of the exterior mirrors, practical for a complete view without having to scrape.

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